Excavator.



No. 806,288. PATENTED DEC. 5, 1905;

M. E. PUGH.

I EXGAVATOR.

AlfLIGATION I'ILED APR.11.1904.

9 sums-sum 1.

PATENTBD DEC. 5, 1905.

M. E. PUGH. EXOAVATOR.

APPLICATION FILED APR.11.1904.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

PATENTED DEC. 5, 1905.

M. E. PUGH.

v BXOAVATOR. v

. :APPLIOATION FILED APR,11,1904.

9 SHEETS-SHBET 3.

a 8 a 6 d @JJaZ' PATENTED DEC. 5, 1905.

' M. E. PUGH.

EXCAVATOR.

APPLICATION FILED APR.11,1904.

"Hair/cases PATBNTED DEC. 5, 1905.

B. PUGH. j

9 SHEETS-SHEET 7.

w EWL 88.

PATENTED DEC. 5, 1905.

M. B. PUGH.

BXGAVATOR.

APPLICATION FILED APR.11.1904.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 8.

No. 806,288. PATENTED DEG.5,1905.H

} M. E. PUGH.

. EXCAVA'I'OR.

APPLICATION FILED APR, 11,1904.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 9.

I UNITED STATES I I MORTON E. PUGH, OF oHIoAGo, ILLINOIS.

' EXCAVATOR.

To all whom it may concern:

'Be it known that I, MORTON E. PUGH, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the cityof Chicago, in the county of (look and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Excavators;. and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of the specification.

This invention relates to excavators, and more particularly to that class set forth in my prior invention, Excavating-machine, patented to me on the 18th day of May,-1897, No. 582,683, and in which the material excavated was adapted to be delivered inwardly from the excavator and to any desired point.

With excavators of the class described it has heretofore been diflicult to hold the shovels in to their work. This is especially true where the material excavated is a coarse gravel or other substance oifering co nsider. able resistance to the advanceof the shovel. To secure the best results, it of course necessary to, fill or approximately fill the shovel at each trip. As such devices have heretofore been constructed it has been necessary to constantly employ one or more men on the bank to aid in filling and closing the shovel or dipper and another to release the load when in dumping position. In the use ofsome steam shovels and excavators heretoforedevised the shovel-oar. remains stationary and usually is blocked or jacked up at its sides while working into the bank and is not adapted to move along the track to a new position while the bucket is dumping, thereby neces sitating stopping the excavator when it is desired. to take up a new position and losing-considerable time.

The object of this invention is to provide an automatically-operating automobile excavating-conveyer of great strength and dura-' bility so constructed as to automatically fill and dump the bucket or dipper and to economize in the labor inoperating the same and which is capable of being propelled along its track into position to receive the next bucketful while the bucket is traveling to and from its dumping position. i

It is'also an object ofth'is invention to pro vide an improved operating means for the construction adapted to insure propelling means and a positive drive both for the ex- Specification of Letters Patent.

Application fi1ed. April 11, 1904-.- $eria1No. 202,492.

"PA-TENT OFFICE.

Patented. Dec. 5, 1905.-

, cavator and conveyer and to enable the same to be at all times in immediate control of a single operator, if desired.

Theinvention consists of the matters here inafter described, hereinafter more fully pointed out and defined in the appended claims.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a top plan view, partly in horizontal section, of a device embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is an end elevation showing the bucket in position to be- Fig. 3 is an enlarged end eleva gin the cut.

tion similar to that shown in Fig. 2 and show.-

ing the shovel or bucket in position to dump on the conveyer. Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary detail for a part of the trippin'gmechanism for the bucket. tary side elevation of the device with thee);- cavating mechanism omitted. Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of the propelling mechanism for the car and is shown partly in horizontal section. Fig. 7 is ade- Fig; 5 is a fragmentail of apart of the operating mechanism for the bucket or dipper conveyer. 'Fig. 8 is a vertical section of the guides and the pinion for the handle. Fig. 9 is an enlarged sectional detail taken longitudinally of the main winch-shaft, illustrating the construction of the operation of the winches. Fig. 10 is an enlarged longitudinal section taken on line 10 10 of Fig. 11, illustrating details of the pneumatic cylinders. Fig. 11 is a section taken on line 11 11 of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a :longitudinal section of the piston in one of theair-cylinders. Fig. 13 is a similarsection showing a modified form ofthe packing therefor. F jg. let is a sectional view of the end of the 1 piston-rod. Fig. '15'is a fragmentary view-of the operating-valves for controlling the admission of air to the cylinders. Fig. 16 isa plan view of the A-frame for the bucket or dipper. Fig. 17 is an enlarged fragmentary section of the same, showing the gin-block and fastening therefor. Fig. 18 is a fragmentary view of means for forcing the A-frame downwardly. Fig. 19 is a front elevation of the double winch for operating the A-frarne. Fig. 20 is a side elevation of the dipper 0r bucket and a part of the operating Fig. '21 is an enlarged rear Fig. 22

is a top plan view of the same. Fig. 23 is a detail illustrating the construction of the front or'nose of the bucket ordipper. Fig-24 is a fragmentary side elevation of an elevator I10 conveyer adapted for use in connection with my invention. Fig. 25 is a reduced plan view of the operating or driving means therefor.

As shown in said drawings, the invention embraces a flat or other suitable car A, provided with operating mechanism adapted to propel the same in either direction and provided with a strong superstructure or frame, from which is supported and operated a dipper, shovel, or bucket excavator N, adapted to excavate the bank at the side of the car and todeliver its contents upon a conveyer 0. supported usually at the other side of the car and delivering the material received from the excavator laterally, and, if desired, into a car or other means for transportation conveniently located beneath its end. Both the excavator and conveyer are operated by-driving mechanism supported upon the car and are provided with controlling mechanism adapted to enable the operator to control perfectly all parts of the device from a central point. Said car A may be of any ordinary or preferred construction capable of affording sufficient rigidity of platform or deck to serve as a rigid foundation for the mechanism carried thereon. Supported on ,said car and as shown at one side and at one end thereof is a steamboiler B, which, as shown, is of the ordinary locomotive type, but may be of any preferred construction. A pair of horizontal twin hoisting-engines (indicated by B and B are connected at quarters in a familiar manner with the main driving-shaft 6. Secured on said main driving-shaft are a sprocket-wheel Z) and a pinion 5 At the rear or driving end of the car and positioned slightly in advance of and above the truck is a driving mechanism comprising a pedestal or base 0, adapted to be rigidly bolted or otherwise secured upon the deck of the car. Uprights or standards 0, extending upward therefrom, and those on each side of said frame are rigidly connected by an upper frame member 0, which may be integral with said side frame member or bolted thereto, as preferred. Also rigidly connected with the side frame members or uprights are a central and a forwardly projecting bracket 0 and 0 J ournaled transversely of the car in said forwardly-projecting bracket 0 is a shaft C, having a sprocket- Wheel 0 thereon in alinement with the sprocket-wheel b on the main driving-shaft of the engine, and which is connected therewith by a sprocket-chain 0 communicating the drive thereto. Rigidly secured on said shaft C is a pinion c, which meshes with a large driving-gear C journaled upon a shaft C journaled above the forward standards 0 of the frame, and which meshes with a corresponding gear D, journaled on ashaft D above the upright 0 at the rear of said frame. .Each of said gears is free to turn upon its shaft 0 and D, respectively, and at the outer side thereof is provided a collar 0 and d, respecand d respectively.

tively, which bears against the hub of said gear and is provided in its outer face with a slot registering with a longitudinal slot in the shaft and in which is inserted asliding key 0 Against each of said keys bears a thrust-rod 0 and d", slidably seated in an axial aperture in the respective shafts, and at the outer end of which is the operating means adapted to force either of said thrust-rods inwardly, thereby sliding the gear inwardly on the shaft. On the inner face of each gear is provided a friction, which is shown as built up of friction-paper, rawhide, or other suitable material. That on the gear D only is shown and is indicated by d. Rotatively secured on the shafts C" and D are the pinions 0 and of, respectively, on the outer end of which is rigidly secured a friction o d, each provided near its periphery with an inwardly-tapering groove adapted to receive the built-up frictions of the respective gears. Secured on each of the shafts ()and D and bearing against the inner adjacent faces of said friction-disk and said gear are the strong pushing-springs d, acting normally to hold said gears out of engagement with said friction-disk. (That on the shaft D only is shown and indicated by d.) Journaled in the middle brackets 0 of said frame is a shaft E, upon which is rigidly secured a geared driving-wheel E, meshing on its opposite sides with the pinion 0 and d", and on the inner end of the shaft approximately over the center of the car are provided sprocket-wheels, over which is trained a sprocket-chain e, which is led over suitable idlers c and 0 as shown in Fig. 5, to a sprocket-wheel on the rear truck-axle of the car A. A corresponding sprocket-chain 0 extends downwardly through the floor of the car and is served about a sprocket-wheel secured on the front axle of said car-truck. Means are provided for sliding either one of said gears C or D inwardly into engagement with its friction, thus enabllng the car to be moved in either direction wlthout reversing the engine. Said actuating means, as illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, comprise a lever F, pivoted upon the operatingtable platform I, and at the lower end of which is pivoted a connecting-rod f. which leads rearwardly and is secured to a horizontal connecting-bar f, the ends of whichare engaged on the upwardly-directed actuating-levers f and f the lower ends of which are secured upon the screw-jacks f and f. Said screwjacks operate in axial alinement with the respective shafts C and D and are respectively right and left threaded and at their inner ends bear against the thrust-rods a d", so that when the lever is shifted in one direction the gear 0 is forced inwardly into engagement with its friction, thereby driving the shaft E, and propels the car in one direction, while the reversal of said lever acts to release the pressure of the gear C permitting the same to move out of engagement with its friction, and forces the gear D into engagement with its friction, reversing the direction of the drive 'ofthe car. If preferred, pneumatically-op,

crating means for actuating'andreversing the drive of the car may be employed, such as hereinafter described with reference to the winches.

' Secured in advance of the engine and transversely the car are winches, or, as shown, a double winch, for operating the bucket or shovel, hereinafter more fully described. Said winch, as shown, comprises a base or'bed G,

provided with uprights or standards 9 at each end thereof adjacent the'sides of the car and upon which is journaled 'a horizontal shaft G',

rigidly secured upon which in. position to mesh with the pinion Z2 on the main drivingshaft is a driving-gear G Acollar g and g is rigidly secured to the shaft on each side of said gear. Secured on each side thespider of said gear intermediate the hub and rim is a laterally-directed concentricflange g, each provided at its outer edge with an outwardly:

directed flange g Said flanges afford a channel adjacent'the web of the gear, within which is rigidly secured by bolting or other suitable means a rim 9 of friction material of any desired kind. Said frictions are shaped to afford outwardly-tapering or conical frictions,

one on each side of said gear. Said shaft at its ends is grooved wherejonrnaled on the bearing and afford a thrust-bearing'from the shaft,'and journaled on said shaft on each side, of the gear are the drums H and K, respec-.

tively, slidably journaled on said shaft. Said drums are each provided with a peripheral flange it h, complemental with and adapted to engage, respectively, the frictions g on the gear, and'at the outer end of each drum the; diameter is increased, as shown, anda peripheral groove h 70 is afforded, adapted to receive the straps H K of a strap-brake. Said straps are normally supported free from the frictionfaces of the drum on hooks 'Z 'Z, engaged to the operating-platform I, positioned above the engine and winch. J ournaled in the base GT of the winch-frame parallel with the shaft G is a shaft 79 on which is secured a crank-arm connected, by means of achain or in any suitable manner, with the lower EIldSjDf the brake-straps, as shown in Figs. 5 and 9. At the outer end said arm is connected with a vertical operating lever is, which extends through the platform I andat its upper end is pivotally connected with a lever/ 0 adapted to be. operated in any desired manner to force the lever in downwardly, bringing the brakej straps into positive bearing with'the friction brake-surface on the end of the drum. The straps of thebrake H are connected at their lower end by means of a chain or the likehi with a crank h rigidly secured on a sleeve it, through which the shaft 70 before described, extends. .On the outer end of said sleeve is are in alinement with said shaft, and within provided a lever if, similar to the lever k I and similarly actuated to bring the brake on the drum H into operation independently of the operation of the brake on the drum K. Each of said drums is movable longitudinally of the shaft into positive engagement with the frictions on .the gear G independently of the other, and, as shown, a longitudinal slot is provided in'each end of said shaft adjacent the outer ends of each drum,and a key or wedge block Hand/c respectively, is secured in each and bears against the outer end of the hub of each of said drums. A thrust-rod k is is seated in an axial bore in each end of the'shaft and bears at its inner end against said key or wedge block. At the outer end of each thrustrod means are provided adapted to force the same inwardly, thereby moving the friction of the corresponding drum inwardly, bringing the friction-disk thereon into positive en gagement' with the friction on said gear, as

shown in ,Fig. 9, in which both of the drums are shown in position to be driven by the gear. 'Any desired means may be used to actuate brakeof the car, the tank Z of which is indicated below the car. A pipe Z also in open communication with. the main pressure-tank, connects in valves L and L adjacent the engineersvalve Z and is connected, by means of a pipe Z Z, with a pneumatic cylinder Z and Z". supported upon-suitable brackets Z and Z at each end of the shaft G. Said cylinders each is a piston Z andZ flthe piston-rod Z and Z of which bears against the respective thrustrods 71/ and 70 in the ends of the said shaft, so

that when air is admitted to either of the cylinders its piston acts to force the thrust-rod inwardly, jamming the friction of the drum on said end ofthe shaft into positive bearing with the friction upon'the gear. 7 As showma circular head Z isrigidly secured on each piston-rod and is provided with a concentric groove therein corresponding with a groove in the piston-head Z? and Z af-, fordingitherewith a ballsface adapted to receive thQantifriction-balls Z On the outer side of eaeh piston-head Z. Z isprovided an angular projection Z which engages between angular inwardly-directed studsZ Z on the head ofthe cylinderand which holds theipiston head from rotation. This. construction permits the rotation of the thrust rod and head Z 1-with the shaft Gr, when the drum is operated by the piston. Each of said pistonheads is provided with hydraulic or. pneumatic packing (indicated by Z in Fig. 12) or, if pre-.

ferred, by the-usual packing-rings'Z as shown in Fig. 13. Means are provided for throwing said frictions out of engagement when the airpressure is released, comprising a powerful spring it" and Z3 respectively, which engage against the collars g and g on each side of the gear and against the inner end of the hubs of said drums, acting when the pressure is released from the piston to immediately slide the drum on the shaft sufliciently to separate the frictions.

Supported on the front end of the car in advance of the winch is an upright frame comprising posts M and M on the respective sides of the car, which are connected at the top in any desired manner, both longitudinally and transversely of the car, to afford a rigid support and are rigidly braced transversely of the car to afford rigid support for the bucket, shovel, or dipper N and the conveyer O during operation. Rigidly secured at the top of said frame and bolted through the posts M and M is a transverse beam M which is of a length much greater than the width of the frame and projects at each end beyond the same, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, affording a boom on each side the car. As shown, said beam projects a greater distance from the bucket or dipper side of the machine than on the conveying side thereof. A beam LW 3 is secured above and parallel with the beam M and a like distance on the excavating side of the machine, and at their outer ends said beams and at intervals in their length are rigidly secured together by means of beams m, extending longitudinally of the car. Said beams M are at a level with the top of the frame, and supported thereon and upon other transverse members (not shown) is a floor upon which is supported an engine P, adapted to be supplied with steam from the boiler B and which operates a part of the excavating mechanism, as hereinafter described. Oblique struts or braces on extend from the foot of the post to the outer extremities of beams M and are connected at their middle with a diagonal brace m rigidly secured on the frame at the junction of the post M with said beam M In a like manner a diagonal brace m extends from the foot of the post M and is rigidly secured on the projecting end of the beam M on that side of the frame. Ordinarily two of said beams 1V 2 M are provided, which extend parallel with each other and the ends of which are connected with the transverse beams m and m, as shown in Fig. 2, rigidly bolted each to each.

Hinged at the excavating side of the car and at the foot of the uprightM is an A-frame Q, comprising beams of the requisite length provided at their lower ends with an apertured strap 9, adapted to engage in complemental fittings secured on the side of the car to afford the hinge. Said beams converge at their outer ends and are connected by means of a metallic plate g, which, as shown, is litted into longitudinal slots in the end of said beams and rigidly bolted in position. Anglebars g are bolted transversely at the ends of said beams to said plate, and corresponding angle-bars are fitted against said plate and the inner side of each beam and rigidly secured in position by means of bolts which extend through the webs of said angle-bars and said plate and through the flanges and said beams, respectively. A loop or eye of metal q is rigidly secured centrally on said plate (1 by riveting or the like and receives the clevis of a gin-block Q5, which may be of any preferred construction,.but which, as shown, has a metal housing thereon provided with means of any desired kind to prevent the line becoming fouled when slack. Metal clips are rigidly bolted on each of the beams of the A-frame adjacent the gin-block or in any point near the upper ends thereof and are connected by block and tackle in any suitable manner with the beam m. As shown, sheaves q are used, through which a line is rove in any suitable manner and from which the line passes inwardly to a winch Q, supported 011 the post M, and which, as shown, is a handoperated winch adapted to adjust the end of the A-frame as to height without interfering with the operation of the remainder of the mechanism. Said A-frame is held rigidly in its adjusted position by means of thrust-beams R, as shown, two in number, provided at their ends with apertured metallic straps w, bolted thereon, which are hinged in complemental straps r, secured to the beams of the A-frame. Said thrust-bars extend upwardly and inwardly above the A-frame, and at a point intermediate their ends each rests upon a flanged pulley r journaled transversely on the beams M as shown in Fig. 18. A line '2' is secured at the end of each thrust-bar and extends downwardly between the same and said pulleys w, as shown in Figs. 2 and 18, and is led inwardly to the hand-winch R, similar to the winch Q, and which, as shown, is supported in the same frame therewith and supported on one of said uprights M. When strain is brought on said lines 1' any desired amount of downward pressure can be applied to the A-frame, thereby acting to hold the same rigidly from lifting during the operation of the machine.

Pivotally secured between the parallel projecting ends of the beams M M is a frame or housing N, having journaled therein one above the other the flanged pulleys or rollers n. Journaled on the inner side of said housing at equal axial distances from said rollers is a pinion 11 A rack-bar N slidably engagedbetween said pulleys a and the pinion n meshes with the latter and extends downwardly and is provided with metallic strap a on each side at its lower end, forming ayoke, the ends of which pivotally engage at the front end of said bucket N. Said pinion M soeess which actuates the rack-bar and bucketor dipper vertically, is driven by a sprocketchain at, which is carried around the sprocketwheel a, rotatably secured on a shaft n, as

shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 7. 7 A. friction-disk N similar to the disks heretofore described, is driven by acomplemental friction N feathcred on said shaft 72 Said friction N is actuated longitudinally of the shaft into en gagement with said friction-disk N inany suitable manner at the will of the operator.

The engine P drives a pinion p, which meshes with a gear 10, rigidly secured on saidshaft 7 47), thereby driving the same, and when the frictions are in engagement acts to depress the bucket or dipper. When said frictions are out of engagement, saidv dipper and the rack-bar handle therefor move downwardly by gravity, the sprocket-wheel a rotating freely upon its shaft. I

Said bucket or dipper Ncomprises, as shown,

a body formed of plates of metal affording the sides and the rearwall thereof and which may be of any-desired width or thickness or of any capacity. The rear end of the bucket or dipper is rigidly braced at the angles by angle-bars, affording a very rigid construction. The bottom n of the bucket is hinged at the front ends of the same on the yokearms n 11 and rigidly bolted, riveted, or otherwise secured on the projecting front edge or lip of said bucket are strong forwardly and downwardly extendingteeth n adapted to engage in the bank, and which are carried rearwardly for a, considerable distancealong the bottom of the bucket, as shown in Fig.

22. The bottom of said bucket is also strengthwhich holds the bottom of the bucket in-a' closed position until the load is discharged into the conveyer. pivoted on the side walls of the bucket near. the middle thereof, and a sheave n is journaled therein. A clevis n is connected with said bail, and a chain 011 other flexible connection extends rearward ly and engages with the upper end of the lever-detent n as shown in Figs. 2, 3, and-21, said chain" being of suflicient length to permit thesamefto remain slack when the bucket is in loading position,

with the bail inclined rearwardly, but acting to release the detent when the bail assumes a vertical position with respect to the bucket.

' 65 Sheaves N 'N are secured in the top of the.

(Shown in dotted lines in Asv shown, a bail N is --frame near t'he center thereof, about which and the sheave a a cable n 'leads to the drum H' 'of the winch, so that operation of said winch acts to elevate said bucket or dipper and swing the same inwardly to dumping position, as shown in Fig.3. The bail N now assumes a vertical position with respect to the bucket, thereby releasing the detent n permitting the bottom of thebucket to swing downwardly, dumping the contents into the conveyer 0. Means are provided for drawing said bucket into the bank, comprising a fowardly-directed bail N secured on the same pivot, whereby the yoke-arms n? are engaged thereon and at the middle of which is connected a line a, which extends upwardly through the gin-block g at the top of the A- frame and inwardly toward the frame, andv a pulley n is engaged at the end of said line and the fall thereof is taken ,to the winchdrum K, whereby the operation of said winch acts to draw the bucket or dipper forwardly and upwardly along the bank, filling the same.

The conveyer O, as shown, is a continuous belt conveyer, supported upon said frame for the excavator on the oppositeside thereof.

- Said conveyer-frame comprises parallel beams,

channel-bars, or other suitable structural material 0, which are pivoted near their inner end on an upwardly-extending bracket or standard 0', supported on the car. The outer end of said frame is supported on the laterallyextending ends of the beams M upon stayrods 0 and 0 connected withthe beams mm? and each, as shown, provided with a suitable turnbuckle or other means for adjusting the same as to length and to hold, the frame of the conveyer .at all times properly supported in aline-ment. Suitable driving drums or pulleys are journaled at the outer and inner end of said frame, indicated by 0* and 0 respectively.

Disposed along the length of said conveyerframe are closely-arranged transverse rollers 0, which, as shown in Fig. 1, are of agreater diameter at the end than in the middle, said end portions being conical and inclined inwardly." Acontinuous conveyer belt or apron O? is stretched around the drums or pulleys 0 and 0 and owing to the large conical ends of said rollers 0 the upper surface of the con- .veyer is dished or concave transversely, acting to hold the material thereon during its ascent to the delivering end thereof. Means are provided at both ends of the conveyer for adjusting the tension of the apron or belt 0 comprising movable boxes 0 for the shaft of said pulleys adapted to be shifted longitudinally of the frame by means of the adjustingscrews 0 or lower end of the conveyer, the bottom of which is formed by said belt or apron and into. which the material from the dipper or bucket falls when discharged. ,Said conveyer is driven, as shown, from the sprocket-wheels g on the shaft G of "the operatingwinch,

A hopper is provided at the inner which, as shown in Fig. 5 and in dotted lines excavated material laterally of the car to a car to be loaded or to provide a fill or for other purposes, it sometimes occurs that it is desirable to deliver and elevate the material 05 the "end of the car and longitudinally thereof.

For this purpose an additional conveyer acting to deliver the material longitudinally of the car is provided, and when the apron of the lateral conveyer is disconnected said conveyer is adapted to receive the contents of the dipper or bucket when dumped. For convenience of illustration the longitudinal conveyer is omitted from Figs. 1, 2,8, and 5 and illustrated in Figs. 24 and 25,though obviously both conveyors may conveniently be and, in fact, actually are frequently operated from the same car. Said longitudinal conveyor, as shown, comprises an upright frame of any suitable structural material S, supported on the excavating end of the car and inclined outwardly and at its top supported on top frame members of the excavator-frame. A bucket conveyer is shown, comprising a plurality of buckets s, secured upon the sprocket-chains s in close proximity with each other and trained over sprocket-wheels at the upper and lower ends of said upright. A hopper S, adapted to receive the material from the dipper, is provided, which is substituted for the hopper O and is positioned to fill said buckets, as shown in Fig. 24:. Said conveyer S is driven from the sprocket-wheel s on shaft G of the winch adjacent the drum K, the sprocket-chain being trained around said sprocket-wheel and driving to a sprocket-wheel upon a counter-shaft S, as shown in Fig. 25, which is identical with the friction-drive illustrated in Fig. 7 heretofore described. A sprocket-chain 8 leads upwardly to the top of the frame to a sprocket-wheel .9 secured upon the countershaft S", from whence the drive is directed, by means of a chain 8 to a sprocket-wheel journaled at the upper end of the supportingframe S and from whence the conveyer is actuated. If preferred, the counter-shaft S may be omitted, and the drive may be directed to the counter-shaft at the upper end of the frame S, as shown in Fig. 25.

The operation is as follows: The machine being self-propelled travels under its own motive power to the desired point of operation and ordinarily is operated by providing parallel tracks upon one of which the machine moves along the face of the excavation (usually a gravel bank) and on the outer of which tracks the cars to be loaded are placed, said tracks usually extending for the entire length of the bank to be operated upon. The operator standing upon the operating-platform I is enabled by means of the engineers valves and the operating lever, all within convenient access, to operate the entire mechanism, both to start and stop the engines in propelling the car and to actuate, regulate, and control the excavating and conveying means at will. This enables the operator to move the excavator under its own power along the track to a new position, while the shovel or bucket is moving to or from filling position and while dumping, thereby obviating delays when shifting the position of the excavator along the excavation. Inasmuch as the conveyor is driven from the sprocketwheel 9 upon the continuouslyrevolving shaft G, said conveyor is in constant operation while excavating, and the attention of the operator can be given mainly to the filling of the dipper or bucket and the moving of the machine from a loaded car to the next empty car to be filled. The dipper or bucket operates as follows: The A-frame Q is first rigidly secured at the desired angle of inclination and proximity with the bank to enable the dipper or bucket to be most effectively filled. The said bucket swings outwardly and downwardly by gravity, but is, however, at all times held under perfect control. The friction -clutch controlling the drum H, to which the hoisting-line leads, is released just before the dipper or bucket reaches the bottom of the cut or bank, and the drum K is thrown into operation, thereby drawing the bucketinto and up the bank. The teeth Won the front end of the bottom a act to close the bucket as said bueketis drawn along the bank. The bucket is thus quickly filled with the gravel or other material to be excavated. As the bucket moves outwardly it is obvious that the bail 72/ iS inclinedrearwardly, thus bringing no stress whatever upon the detent 11 and permitting the same to hold the bottom of the bucket in closed relation. When the bucket is filled, the drum H is actuated and the drunrK released or partly released, though held at all times under control, thus enabling the bucketin a horizontal position to be swung inwardly supported on thepulleys or sheaves NandN,said rackbar N sliding upward through the casing or frame therefor and permitting the bucket to swing inwardly to its dumping position. The dumping is obviously accomplished automatically, inasmuch as the inward swing of the bucket or dipper soon brings the bail N to a vertical position, as shown in Fig. 3, thus pulling the upper end of the detent inwardly and releasing the bottom of the bucket, thereby permitting the contents to fall upon the apron or belt 0 of the conveyer, which operating continuously delivers the load onthe of gravity of the bucket and rack-bar N is" such to cause the bucket to swing outwardly sufficiently to clear the'side of the machine and to descend 'to' loadingposition. Obviously had the conveyer S been usedinstead of the conveyer O substantially the'same result would have been obtained except that the material would have been delivered at the end of the car instead of laterally thereof.

Obviously the verticaliadjustment of the A-frame Q may be regulated as preferred by releasing the winch R and actuating the winch Q to adjust the Aframeto a desired point, then setting up the winch 'R to bring the thrust-bar into positive bearing position with the side members of the A-frame rigidly holding the same from lifting under the upward pull of the cable a. Y While I have described the frame from which the excavator and conveyer are actuated as provided with two beams M obvi ously, if preferred, but one may be used. So,

too, it'is evident that the rack-bar N of the dipper or bucket may be omitted, if preferred,

and other-types of buckets or excavators may be employed than that herein described and, if preferred, the bucket or dipper mayoper ate at the end of thecar. Obviously, 'too, each and every of thedrumsand winches may be operated pneumatically from the operators platform, as well as the several engines or motors, and other means for actuating'said winches may be employed, if preferred. Any preferred type of 'gpulleys, sheaves, drums, or other operating nechanism'or structural material may be employed without departing from the principle of this invention.

I claim as my invention+ i 1.' In a machin'e'of'the vclass described, a bucketcomprising a body open at thefront end, a bottom hinged at the front end thereof, forwardly-projecting teeth on the front end of said bottom, hoisting means at the top of thebucket, a detent operatively' connected therewith and adapted to hold thebottom' in closed'position when filled, and means acting automatically to release said bottorn when in dumping position.

2. In'a device of the class described,'a horizontally-operating bucket open at the-front, a bottom hinged at saidfront end, adetent acting normally to hold the bottom closed, means operated by the movement of the bucket to its dumping position acti'ngto release the detent and means carried on the bucket adapted to apply'pressure thereon-when filling.

- 4. Ina 'machine'of' the class" described, scoop or bucket, a bottom hinged at the front 3. Inamachineoftheclassdescribed,ahori zontally-operatingscoop or bucket, a bottom hinged at the frontend of the bucket, teeth thereon projecting'beyond the hinge and adapted to automatically close the bucket by 7 "engagement in the material to beexcavated,

end thereof and projecting in advance of the hinge'andacting to close the bottom when in operation, a detent acting to hold the bottom:

closed, a hoisting-bail hinged in advance ofthe buckets center, an'outhaul-bail hinged on the nose of the bucket and means operated from the hoistingbail acting to release said detent when at dum'pingposition.

5. A bucket of the class described, comprising continuous sides and a connecting rear end wall, a bottom hinged at the mouth of bucket, projecting teeth on said bottomacting to close the bottom while filling, a hoisting-bail pivoted to the side walls in advance to the center, a detent operatively connected therewith 5 and acting toengage and hold said bottom closed, means applying downward pressure at the front end of the bucket in filling and operative connections between the hoistingbail and said detent acting to release the'de- I00 tent when the bucket is swung inwardly upon 1 said hoisting-bail. A

6, In an'excavato'r, a buckethavinga bottom hinged near its front end, downwardly-curved zontally-operfati'ng bucket or scoop comprising I 1 5 parallel side walls and a connecting rear wall, a bottom hinged at the front ends of the bucket, a projecting downwardly-inclined lip thereon acting to close the bottom by the pressure of the material excavated, a detent carried on the T 20' bucket and adapted to hold the'bottom closed,

' a hoisting-bail pivotally engaged to the walls and operatively' connected with saiddetent and adapted to release the same from the bottom when the bucket swings rearwardly thereon, I2 5 means for drawing the bucket into the'material to be excavated and power-operated means acting to hold the front end-of the bucket down during filling. 8 ."In a machinebf'theclass described, the 3 Combination with hoisting mechanism of a bucket supported therefrom comprising a scoop open at the top and front end, a rearwardly and downwardly opening bottom thereon, a levered detent acting to hold the bottom of the bucket closed, a hoisting-bail pivoted intermediate the ends of the bucket, a flexible connection between said bail and said detent and of a length to release the detent only when the bucket swings rearwardly upon said bail, power-operated means acting to force the nose of the bucket into the out, said hoisting means acting to raise and carry said bucket to the dump in a horizontal position and to release said detent by the relative movement of the hoisting-bail and the bucket.

9. In a machine of the class described, the combination with the hoisting mechanism of a vertically-movable handle, a motor acting to force said handle downwardly, a bucket having a hinged rearwardly-opening bottom and pivotally engaged at its mouth with said handle, means acting to hold said bottom closed during operation and means operated by the hoisting mechanism acting to release the bottom when in dumping position.

10. In a machine of the class described, the combination with hoisting mechanism of a pivotally-supported bucket,a rearwardly-opening bottom hinged at the mouth thereof, a forwardlyprojecting lip on said bottom adapted to engage in the material to be excavated, power-operating means acting to draw the bucket into the cut and to partly support the same when moving to dumping position and means operating by the hoisting mechanism acting to release the bottom at dumping position.

11. A bucket of the class described having an open mouth and top, continuous side walls and a rear end thereon, a bottom hinged at the mouth of the bucket,a projecting downwardlyinclined cutting-lip thereon, longitudinal bars rigidly secured to and connecting the cuttinglip and bottom, downwardly and forwardly inclined points thereon projecting beyond the lip and an outhaul-bail pivotally engaged at said lip and means attached thereto acting to draw the bucket into the cut.

12. In a machine of the class described, a bucket, a hoisting-bail secured thereon in advance of the center, a bottom hinged at the front end of the bucket and comprising a relatively broad bar upturned at its ends to afford attaching ears, downwardly inclined teeth secured on and projecting beyond the lip each continuous with a rearwardly -directed bar, a sheet-metal bottom riveted to said bars, stiflening-bars beneath the same, a detent at the rear end of the bottom adapted to engage the same in closed position, a forwardly-directed outhaul-bail and a handle secured to the bucket on the pivot for the bottom and means for releasing the bottom detent operated by the inward swing of the bucket when loaded.

13. An excavator-bucket comprising con-' tinuous side and rear walls, a bottom hinged at the front end thereon between the side walls and comprising a bar of metal, beveled downwardly on its front edge to afford a cuttinglip, upturned ends on said bar affording ears for pivotal attachment with the side of the bucket, a metallic plate connected with said bar at its rear side affording the remainder of the bottom, downwardly turned projecting teeth riveted to said transverse bar and bottom, a hoisting-bail and a downwardly-acting thrust bar or handle pivotally secured on the same pivot with the bottom.

14;. The combination with a sup 'iortingframe of a laterally-directed support thereon, a hoisting-sheave within the frame, an outhaul-sheave at the end of said support, an excavating-bucket having an open end and top, a hinged rearwardly-opening bottom therein, a hoisting-bail secured on the bucket in advance of the center, a sheave therein, an outhaul-bail on the nose of the bucket, lines connecting said hoisting-sheave with the hoisting-bail and the outhaul-sheave with the outhaul-bail and simultaneously and independently operated, hoisting means to which said lines are engaged acting to fill the bucket, to elevate and to move the same in a horizontal position to the dump and automatically-operated means for releasing the bottom.

15. The combination with an excavator bucket or scoop having an open end and top of a bottom hinged at the open end or mouth and openingrearwardly, a hoisting-bail centrally secured on said bucket, an onthaul-bail secured at the month of the bucket, means acting normally to hold said bottom in closed position while excavating and hoisting independently and simultaneously operating hoisting mechanisms, one engaged to the outhaulbails acting to draw the bucket into the cut, the other to the hoisting-bail, both of said hoisting mechanisms acting conjointly to elevate and swing the bucket to dump in approximately a horizontal position and means operated by the movement of the bucket to dumping position, acting to release the bottom.

16. The combination with a supportingframe of a projecting support thereon, hoisting-sheaves within the frame, an outhaulsheave on said support, an excavating-bucket having an open end and top, a hinged rearwardly, opening bottom therein, a hoistingbail secured on the side walls thereof in advance of the center, a sheave, an outhaul-bail on the nose of the bucket, lines connecting said hoisting-sheaves with the hoisting-bail and the outhaul-sheave with the outhaul-bail simultaneously and independently operated, hoisting means to which said lines are respectively engaged acting to fill said bucket and elevate the same in a horizontal position and to carry the same to dumping position, a hop- IIS peradapted to receive the contents of. the bucket and a conveyer affording a part of the hopper.

17. The combination with an excavator-I bucket having an open end and top of a bottom hinged at the mouth of the bucket and bucket and swing the same to dumpingposr tion, both hoisting mechanisms acting conjointly to ,carrythe bucket horizontally to the dump, means operated by the movement of the bucket acting to release the bottom and a conveyer adapted to receive the contents of the bucket.

18. A combination with a supporting-frame of an A-frame hinged thereon, a rigid beam projecting over the Aframe, a winchacting to vary the elevation of the end of the A- frame, a thrust-bar engaged .on the A-frame and projecting upwardly and means acting to secure said thrust-bar in adjusted position thereby rigidly'securing the A-frame from lifting. 1 i

19. The combination with a support of an A-frame pivoted thereon, a thrust-bar secured on the A-frame and extending upwardly, means for rigidly securing the thrust-bar to the support thereby holding the A-frame from lifting, an outhaul operated from theend of the A-frame and a bucket adapted to be filled thereby.

20. In an excavator, the combination with a supporting-frame of an A-frame hinged thereto and adjustably connected with the support at its top beam, rigid adjustable means acting to hold said A-frame from lifting, a bucket operated in part' from said A-frame, hoisting means engaged on said bucket andactingwith said A-frame to elevate the same in horizon: tal position and'a conveyer adapted to receive the contents of the bucket.

21. In a machineof the class described, the combination with a self-propelled supportingframe, of a hopper thereon, a conveyer leading therefrom to a, point of delivery, an A- frame hinged to the supporting-frame, means adjustably connecting the end thereof with the frame, a bar engaging the A-frame near its outer end and. acting to holdthe same from lifting, a bucket-hoisting means engaged centrally thereomand. adapted. to lift the same in the bucket down while filling and automatic means operated by the inward swing of the dipper acting to release the contents ata predetermined point. I

22. The combination with self.- propelled support of an A-frame pivotally engaged thereon and adjustably engaged with the top of the support, a thrust-bar connected with the A- frame and slidably engaged on the support and acting to hold the A-frame from lifting and a bucket operated in part from the end-of the A-frame.

23. The combination with a supporting truck or car of an'upright frame supported thereon laterally-projectingbeams on said I frame, a conveyer extending on one side of the I frame, an A-frame' hinged at the other, means at the front end of the dipper, a handle conjecting beam above the A-frame; block and tackle connecting the A-frame therewith, a winch for operating said tackle, a rigid bar hinged on each of the A-frame members and projecting upwardly at an angle therewith, a roller over whichsaid bars extend, a line fastened to the upperend of each bar and also carried over said roller and a winch with which said line is connected whereby downframe, a pinion driven thereby, a rack-bar in engagement with said pinion and actuated thereby, a friction-c1 utch adapted todrive said pinion, a dipper pivoted at the lower end of said rack-bar and adapted to be forced downwardly thereby, operative mechanism adapted to draw the dipper outwardly from the car in filling the dipper and hoisting mechanism adapted to elevate the same, both said mechanisms acting -jointly to carry the dipper inwardly in a horizontal position and automatic means for dumping the dipper.

26. A railway-excavator comprising a car or the like, mechanism supported thereon for,

driving the car in either direction, a bucket operated from the-.car'and adapted towork in ahorizontal position an adjustable outhaul A-frame for the bucket-sheaves thereon, a line 1 rove through the sheaves and connecting the bucket with said winch whereby the bucket is drawn outwardly in filling, means adapted to hold said A-frame from lifting during the filling operation, hoisting-sheaves whereby the bucket is lifted and in a horizontal position and is carried inwardly in dumping, a detent acting to hold the bucket closed and means operated at the limit of the inward movement to dump the bucket.

27. A railway-excavator comprising a hopper, a conveyer fed therefrom, a horizontallyoperating bucket, a dumping-bottom therein, hoisting means adapted to elevate the bucket when full and carry the same to dumping position, means connected with the hoisting mechanism acting to dump the contents of the bucket and operative connection between the conveyer and the shaft of the hoisting mechanism acting to drive the same continuously.

28. In a machine of the class described the combination with a car of means for driving the same forwardly or backwardly, an upright frame supported on said car comprising posts rigidly braced one with respect to the other, one or more transverse beams rigidly secured approximately at the top of the frame and extending laterally beyond the same and at the ends rigidly braced thereto, an A-frame supported beneath the extremity of one of said beams, means engaged on said beam acting to hold said A-frame from lifting and vibration and a conveyer supported at its receiving end upon the car and extending oppositely from the A-frame and adjustably supported from the other extremity of said transverse beam or beams.

29. In an excavator a pivoted A-frame, a horizontally-operating bucket, a hinged bottom therein, outhaul mechanism acting to draw the bucket outwardly in filling, hoisting means acting to elevate the bucket horizontally when full and carry the same to dumping position, means connected with the hoisting mechanism, acting to dump the contents of the bucket, a conveyer adapted to receive the dump and operative connection between the conveyer and the hoisting mechanism acting to drive the same continuously.

30. In a machine of the class described the combination with a car of means for driving the same forwardly or backwardly, an upright frame supported on said car, comprising one or more transverse beams at the top of the frame and extending laterally beyond the same and rigidly braced thereto, an A-frame supported on the car beneath one of said beams and adjustably connected near its extremity with one of said beams and thrust-bars slidably engaged on said beam and connected with .and acting to hold said A-frame from lifting ing and outhaul mechanisms carried thereon, a-bucket, a dumping-bottom hinged at the mouth thereof, a projecting lip on said bottom adapted to close the bottom automatically when filling, a sheave secured at a distance from the outhaul mechanism, a line rove therethrough and secured at the mouth of the bucket and on the outhaul mechanism, a hoisting-sheave secured on the bucket near the center thereof, lines connecting the same with the hoisting mechanism whereby said bucket is adapted to be drawn outwardly by the outhaul mechanism in filling and when filled to be elevated and supportedfrom its middle and front end on both of said mechanisms approximately horizontally and moved to its dumping position, means operated by the movement of the bucket acting to dump the contents, said hoisting mechanism and outhaul mechanism adapted to act either simultaneously or independently.

32. In a machine of the class described the combination with outhaul mechanism and hoisting mechanism of a supporting-frame, hoisting-sheaves located in said frame, outhaul-sheaves secured at a distance therefrom, a bucket having a dumping-bottom, a line secured at the mouth of the bucket and rove through said outhaul-sheave and attached to the outhaul mechanism, a line attached near the middle of the bucket and rove through the hoisting-sheaves and connected with the hoisting mechanism, means for operating said hoisting mechanism and outhaul mechanism independently and also simultaneously whereby the bucket or scoop is drawn into the cut toward the outhaul-sheave in filling and is supported on both the hoisting mechanism and outhaul mechanism approximately horizontally to the dump and means acting to release the bottom to drop the contents of the bucket at a predetermined point.

33. The combination with a car, a motor and mechanism adapted to drive the car in either direction of hoisting mechanism and outhaul mechanism driven by the motor, a substantially horizontally operating bucket connected with said mechanisms, a dumping-bottom therein adapted to close in filling, a detent holding the same closed, means carried on the nose of the bucket acting to hold the same down in filling, the outhaul mechanism acting to fill the bucket and both the mechanisms acting to elevate and carry the bucket to the dump and means for releasing said detent.

34:. In a machine of the class described the combination with hoisting mechanism and outhaul mechanism of a bucket actuated by the outhaul in filling and means under the control of the operator acting to support the bucket in approximately horizontal position, both on the hoist and the outhaul mechanisms when moving to dumping position and means operatively connected with the hoist adapted to dump the contents of the bucket.

35;. A combination with "power-winches ad aptedto be operated independently and also 1 simultaneously of a motor driving-the same,

' nected with both mechanisms, a hinged bottom therein, the outhaul acting to drawthe bucket into the cut in filling and bothmech anisms supporting the bucket in moving to the dump.

37. Acombination with a car ofhoisting and outhaul mechanisms thereon, a bucket, a hinged bottom therein, the outhaul-.mechanism act-- ing to draw the bucket-into the cut and power-= operated means acting therewith .to hold the nose of the bucket down while 'filling, both mechanisms supporting the bucket horizontally to the dump." I

38. In a'machine of the classdescribed, the

combination with a supporting-frame. and a hopper of a conveyer affording a partof the hopper and comprising acontinuouslyi-driven belt orapron, concave rollers beneath and supporting the apron and adjusting-rods rigidly secured at the head of the frame and adapt ed to support and hold the conveyer in alinemerit and means adapted to deliverthe material to be conveyed into the hopper. f

39,. A combination with acarof an upright frame thereon, aprojecting beam at the top of the frame and rigidly braced thereon, a'hopper, abelt conveyerextending from and forming a part of the hopper and embracing a plu-' rality of concaverollers, over whichthe belt: passes and adjusting-rods connected with said conveyer and in said beam respectively and acting to support the same in alinement and at a desired angle of. inclination and; a hori-f zontally-operating bucket operated fromlthe car and acting to deliver material to the hopper. V a

40; The combination with a car of means acting to propel the same in either direction, a power-winch thereon, a supportingeframe, a projecting beam rigidly secured at the top thereof, a conveyer. extending. beneath the beam and comprising .a frame an operating. drum at each end thereof, a continuous .belt trained about said drums, transverse concave rollers on said frame acting to support the-upper lap of thebelt, stay-rods connecting the conveyer-frame with the said beams,v a hopper supported uponthe car above'theconveyer and a horizontally-operated and dumpcombination with a continuously-driven conveyer of a dipper excavator adapted to operate in conjunction therewith, means adapted to operate the dipper and deliver the contents to theconveyer, a clutch mechanism connect-' combination with a continuously-driven conveyerand means for'driving the same, of a bucket, a hoist and an outhaul-winch for operating the same, pneumaticallyoperative means actlng to control said wlnches whereby that for the outhaul operates in fillingthe bucket'a'nd that for the hoistand the outhaul operates conjointly in elevating the same and carrying the same inwardly in position to dump upon the conveyer and means operated by the inward movement of thebucket acting to drop its contents.

- 43. In a-machine'. of the class described, a conveyer and'a bucket adapted to deliver its contents thereto, power-operated winches operating said bucket, one actuating the outhaul therefor. and both winches actuating the hoist and dump, and pneumatically-operated means for'controlling the action of said winches and adapting the same for conjoint and also independent operation. r

- L4t.-In a machine of the class described, a conveyer and a bucket adapted to deliver its contents thereto, power-operated winches operating said bucket one actuating the; outhaul therefor and the other conjointly therewith actuating the hoist anddump, pneumaticallyoperatedmeans controlling the action of said winches and adapting the same for conjoint and also independent operation, and brake mechanism adapted to hold one of said Winches while the other is in operation.

. 45. The combination with a car and its truck of a motor supported on the car,a winch'driven thereby comprising a' central gear, a friction-' clutch on each side thereof, each comprlslng apart of the'gear and a drum provlded with a friction-face adapted for engagement therewith, pneumatically-operated means adapted tomove one or both of said drums longitudinallywith the shaft into engagement with the friction. on the gear, a brake for each drum adapted for simultaneous and also independent operation, an excavator-bucket and tackle connecting said drums with said bucket, one adapted to actuate the outhaul of the bucket in filling, the other acting conjointly-with the outhaul mechanism to elevate and move the bucket to dumping'position and a conveyer adapted to receive the material from the bucket.

46. In a machine of the class described, the" combination with a car of amotor thereon, a

'piniondriv-en thereby,-a1winch comprising a ing-bucket actuated from the winch and adapt? I ed 'to'fi'll the hopper. v 41. In a machine of the class described the 

